Belgrano secured an important victory against Defensa y Justicia on February 23, 2025, with a 2-0 scoreline at the Estadio Gigante de Alberdi. This match marked the return of coach Ricardo Zielinski, who aimed to revitalize the team following disappointing previous results.
The game started with high expectations, as Belgrano sought to recover after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Central Córdoba just prior. Meanwhile, Defensa y Justicia came off a strong performance, having recently beaten Racing de Córdoba 3-1.
From the kick-off, both teams displayed strategic play. Defensa initially looked more promising, creating the first opportunities. Belgrano adjusted their formation, with Bryan Reyna becoming increasingly involved, leading to some early threats to Defensa’s defense. A notable moment occurred when the referee, Fernando Espinoza, awarded Belgrano a penalty for what appeared to be a foul by goalkeeper Enrique Bologna on Reyna after a deep pass from Gerónimo Heredia. Yet, the VAR intervened, voiding the penalty due to a foul committed by Mariano Troilo prior to the play.
The turning point came at the 37th minute when Belgrano finally broke through. A long ball from goalkeeper Juan Espínola found Fernández, who capitalized on defensive errors from Defensa, deftly lifting the ball over Bologna to score. Showing respect for his former club, Fernández did not celebrate the goal, making it clear he valued his time with Defensa.
Just before halftime, the match took another decisive turn. Bautista Miritello of Defensa y Justicia received a straight red card for elbowing Mariano Troilo, leaving his team with ten men and setting the stage for Belgrano to capitalize on their advantage.
Upon resuming play, Belgrano quickly extended their lead. Lucas Zelarayán, who was recently substituted onto the field, made a swift run down the left flank. He passed to Lucas Passerini, whose touch on the ball led to yet another opportunity for Fernández to score, as he struck it powerfully to make it 2-0 just twelve minutes after halftime.
Even with the numerical disadvantage, Defensa y Justicia attempted to maintain ball possession and penetrate Belgrano’s defenses, but they struggled to create clear chances without their full squad. Belgrano, on the other hand, adopted a more defensive strategy, utilizing quick counterattacks to threaten the opposition goal.
This victory lifted Belgrano's spirits significantly, as they moved up to the eleventh position with eight points after this game. While it marked Zielinski’s first win since his return to the club, Defensa y Justicia's aspirations for the top spot suffered, leaving them seventh with eleven points.
Looking upon future fixtures, Belgrano aims to maintain their momentum as they prepare to face San Martín de San Juan, also hoping to build on this performance as the Liga Profesional campaign progresses. Defensa will seek to rebound against Platense, eager to reclaim the competitive edge they displayed earlier this season.